Media Release

ERO review of learning needs must result in action

18 December 2017

NZEI Te Riu Roa has welcomed the Education Review Office’s plans for a national review of additional learning needs in education, but says it must lead to resourcing of support for more children, not just identifying the need for it.

NZEI President Lynda Stuart said the number of children with additional learning needs was growing and the limited pool of contestable funding meant many children did not receive enough support or missed out completely and this was needed to make education truly inclusive.

“Schools are topping up teacher aide support out of their operating budgets, but it’s still not enough.

“In a classroom where a teacher is spread too thinly trying to meet a variety of complex learning needs, every child is affected - not just those with additional learning needs.

“Teachers need to be supported in the classroom and freed to teach so every child gets the one-on-one attention they need to thrive,” she said.